MOA offers tips to detect vision problems in kids

LANSING – Computers and smartboards are a common staple in today’s classrooms, but now with programs such as “bring your own device” to school, smartphones and tablets are seeing increased use in schools as well. As these devices transition between home and the classroom, it’s clear the use of these technologies is evolving from a trend to a necessity, even among the youngest students.

According to the American Optometric Association’s 2013 American Eye-Q survey, 85 percent of parents indicate their children use an electronic device up to four hours per day.

This is no surprise as the survey also indicates 41 percent of children have their own smartphone or tablet and 32 percent use both e-books and textbooks at school. Additionally, 66 percent of children use a computer or tablet to do homework or study. With the consistent use of electronic devices throughout the day and evening, children of all ages can face a number of visual challenges.

“When children stare at screens for hours each day, it may cause visual discomfort that can interfere with their ability to focus and learn,” said Dr. Jeffrey Varanelli, MOA member and practicing optometrist in Warren, Mich.. “It’s important for school-aged children to receive comprehensive eye examinations prior to heading back into a classroom.”

Despite the increase in technology use, only one-third (31 percent) of parents have strong concerns that their children may damage their eyes as a result of prolonged exposure. Although ongoing use won’t damage vision, regular, lengthy use of technology at school or for homework can lead to a temporary vision condition called computer vision syndrome. Symptoms of CVS can include eye strain, headaches, fatigue, burning or tired eyes, loss of focus, blurred vision, double vision or head and neck pain. The Michigan Optometric Association urges students to rest their eyes by following the 20-20-20 rule. When using technology or doing near work, take a 20-second break, every 20 minutes and view something 20 feet away.

As children of all ages become more frequent users of technology, eye doctors are increasingly warning parents about the potential signs or symptoms of CVS or undiagnosed vision problems that may arise and indicate the need for an eye exam:

Preschool and Kindergarten: At home, little ones may begin to play games on a tablet or smartphone, while at school they tend to learn early lessons about how to use a computer. The AOA suggests limiting tech time to two hours or less each day and increasing the font size of the text on the screen in order to make it easier on eyes. During this stage, parents should be aware of physical signs that may flag a potential vision problem and ask themselves the following questions:

Are my child’s eyes aligned properly or does one or both eyes turn inward or outward?

Does my child frequently rub his or her eyes or blink excessively when doing near work?

Elementary School: At this age, children continue to use smartphones, play with portable gaming devices, and spend hours on computers at school and at home. Encourage kids to use cell phones only for quick tasks such as texting, and to position all devices half an arm’s length away from the eyes and slightly below eye level. Children should also take frequent breaks and move around or change positions often while working on a computer. Parents of this age group should ask children and themselves the following questions to learn more about the health of their vision:

Do words seem to “swim” on a screen or in a printed book or do they lose their place frequently when reading?

Does my child experience frequent headaches during the school week or while performing close up visual work?

Are my child’s grades high in non-visual classes and lower in other, more visually-focused classes like math or reading

Middle and High School: With computers becoming a staple at school and for homework, along with increased smartphone usage, middle and high schoolers should be reminded that computers should be positioned 20 to 28 inches away from their eyes, and the top of the screen should be at eye level, allowing them to look down at the screen. When at home, kids should use ergonomic desk areas or gaming chairs and to prevent glare on screens, incorporate lowwattage light bulbs or drapes in the room. As for digital devices, brightness or background color settings should be adjusted to keep vision comfortable. Parents can stay involved with their older children’s vision by knowing:

How long can my child read before they need to take a visual break?

Does my child perform with a lowered level of comprehension or efficiency?

Does my child experience discomfort, fatigue or have a short attention span?

The Michigan Optometric Association also warns that one in four children has an undiagnosed vision problem simply because they may not recognize that their eyesight isn’t optimal or is changing.

Beginning in 2014, pediatric vision care will be one of the Affordable Care Act’s Essential Health Benefits. This means millions of children will gain direct access to local optometrists for comprehensive eye exams and treatment, including medical eye care, through health insurance. The Michigan Optometric Association recommends that a child’s first eye exam take place at six months of age and again at age three. For more information, visit: http:// michigan.aoa.org.